As part of its ENVISION2030 strategy, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) aspires to produce adaptive graduates that will participate productively in the development of our region, country and the world. Mnqobi Ngobese, DUT Communications’ editorial team member, recently engaged with the DUT Athletics long-distance runner Anelwa Tshabangu, to share his student experience through sports and academics and how he lives the DUT Living Values.
Name : Anelwa Mbasa Tshabangu
Place of birth : Bulawayo
Sport code : Athletics
Qualification: Higher Certificate In Applied Sciences
Q: When did you join the DUT Sport Team?
A: “I joined the DUT Athletics Club last year, in 2024.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “I’ve always enjoyed running socially. I thought being part of a club and running competitively was something done only by the elite professionals. It wasn’t until late 2023 when a friend, (now mentor) recruited me to run a 21.1km. I went into it with very low expectations, just wanting to enjoy the experience. It was only when I won the race for the junior category that I realised this was something I could be really good at.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what it entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “As a long distance runner, I specialise in the 5000m, 10000m and 21.1km. These events are all about endurance. Being able to go the distance. Persevering no matter how hard it may be. Having a long distance athlete in the team is important because it can inspire and motivate even the sprinters and the middle distance athletes. Seeing a fellow teammate undergoing a gruelling 50 laps on track can push one to go the extra mile in their own event.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “Swimming, it was one of the sports I played in high school, so I would definitely love to join a swimming team sometime in the future. I am also part of the E-Sports team. I have always loved video games, so when I found out E-Sports was one of the sport codes at DUT, it was a no brainer. When I am not running, I am playing FIFA.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “I was focused on road running during the 2024 season and participated in 10 different road races across Durban and Johannesburg in 2024. So I haven’t represented DUT Athletics Club at a tournament level.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sports?
A: “We live in a world where most of our peers are constantly glued to their screens. I believe sport is the answer to this. Sport is not just a way to keep fit, but is a form of recreation. Developing students in sports can get more of us off our phones, and onto the track. As a student athlete, I know the pressures that come with tertiary education. Sport is a great way to deal with this. It is a great stress reliever. That 30 minute morning jog can start off your day just right. I believe it is vital for DUT to develop students in sport because South Africa (and Africa as a whole) has a lot of talent that goes unnoticed. Tertiary institutions such as DUT are the perfect places to discover, nurture and develop this talent. This way students can reach their full potential.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles do you associate with and why?
A: “I associate with the values of excellence, integrity, and respect. Excellence drives me to continuously improve my performance. Integrity is crucial in sports, ensuring fair play and honesty. Respect for teammates, opponents, and officials fosters a positive and inclusive environment.”
Q: Do you see a future in athletics?
A: “Yes, I do. Judging by the progress I have made in one year, I still have many more boundaries to break and heights to reach. The sky is the limit.”
Q: As a DUT sport star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “In the short space of time I have been an athlete, I have already seen the impact I have had on my local community. My dad just started running this year because he saw how committed and passionate I was about athletics. My role is to not only recruit more people to be active and participate in sports, but to show and inspire the next generation that it is possible to make it. The young kids in the community always give me weird and confused looks when they see me sweating while I push myself in the blazing sun, running for no apparent reason. I’m sure they ask themselves why I do what I do, but I am hoping that one day it translates into them also taking an active part in sport or exercise in general.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “Sport has pushed me to be a more focused person. Being away from home, there are many things that can distract me and put me on the wrong path. Being a student athlete means I don’t have much time for anything other than school. Being a part of DUT Athletics Club also means I am constantly surrounded by like-minded people who constantly push me to do better.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sport?
A: “ I would say the best way to attract spectators to varsity sport would be by being more active on the social media platforms. Making short, eye catching videos on platforms like TikTok will ensure more people are aware of varsity sport. Another great way to attract spectators would be to have lucky draws, or prizes that are given out to the people that invited the most friends. This way, the number of spectators will grow.”
